I’m debating posting a picture of my desk.  The only reason why I wouldn’t is because it’s very messy…but as it stands now I see 9 portable hard drives scattered around.  Definitely NOT a chick magnet

Regardless, as a photographer and filmaker I’m CONSTANTLY in need of hard drive space.  And unless you consume lots of space like we do, you have no idea how important it is to keep your files safe (redundant backups), and how these safety procedures can really add up to major dollars.

Last week I asked a client for who I did a big film project for “Hey, I’m cleaning out my hard drives, do you want to keep a backup for your records?”  His response:  ”Just keep it on your computer just in case.”

UMMM NOOO.  Frankly I can think of a lot better uses that storing your 2 terrabyte project on my expensive hard drives, thank you very much

Anyways, I digress.  So in the pure spirit of this website, I want to pass along my favourite Hard Drives, or what I think are the best hard drives for photographers/creatives.

WARNING:  I am in NO way paid to promote G-RAID drives.  I just think they’re the best.  WHY?  Because they’re the only drive that I’ve purchased that hasn’t failed on me.  That isn’t to say that they won’t, and isn’t to say that you may have had amazing experience with LaCie, WD, Drobo…etc.  This is just what I think is the best ones for ME.

WARNING 2:  This isn’t a backup system tutorial   That is very fishy water, as everyone has their own methods.  Figure out what system works best for you, but a general rule of thumb is have at least TWO copies of the same file.  If the second is offsite, even better.

Now onto the best hard drives for photographers:

For location shoots, I bring two of this little G-RAID mini.  They’re USB powered, durable, and portable.  I bring two because as soon as I want to dump my memory cards, I make duplicate backup copies to each one of these drives.  They kickass and can hold their own.

The medium baby I’m going to recommend was the first G-RAID drive I picked up.  I knew I wanted something with RAID technology (automatically backs up to TWO drives at the same time, so incase one goes down you have a redundant copy) and I didn’t want to break the bank.  If you’re looking for a secure storage option to keep your photos safe, I’d check out this version.  It’s not inexpensive, but it sure beats the pain of losing your precious photos and work.

Now the final drive I’m going to reccomend is the GRAND PUBAH.  I picked this baby up in the summer, and I’m totally in love with it.  It’s pure fantasy for a geek like me!  This baby holds a whopping 12 terabytes  and lets me swap drives instantaneously incase I want to take one off site for security, give one to a client/editor, or if one fails (knock on wood).  This baby is for serious power users and works super fast with video editing as well.  Only for GRAND PUBAHS :)  Best backup solution for photographers hands down!

Basically the moral of the story is check out G-RAID drives.  I learned about them from my pal Jeremy Cowart.  Click here to see how he uses them in his creative process.  End of story, G-RAID is the best hard drive for photographers!

As photographers we have grand visions of bringing our DSLR everywhere we go.  Unfortuntaely these darn things can weigh a ton and sometimes you just want to travel light.  For everyday walking around the street, my iPhone camera does the trick.  But when travelling, it’s sometimes nice to up the game.  When looking around for a nice point-and-shoot camera, I wanted to compile a list of  the best digital camera under 200 bucks for ya!  Take a look:

Best Digital Camera Under 200

Although I’m a Nikon guy in my professional life, I decided to go with this Canon point-and-shoot for the obvious reasons.
1- It’s damn cheap
2- It’s damn powerful
3-Nuff said.
This camera packs a punch with amazing image quality, high resolution, and HD video options.  Can’t miss!

This beauty felt great in my hands.  The 1080p movie option was one to consider, but at double the price of the above camera, I decided to go against it.  None the less, this updated model has all the bells and whistles for a few dollars more.

I’m not a big fan of Sony’s products, but if you are (and like the price) this point and shoot is extreamely popular and for the right reasons.  Amazing image quality, easy to use, and fits great within any budget (under 100 bucks)

And finally, if you’re like me and love the feeling of Nikon in your hands, check out this Nikon with all the fixings for a small point and shoot.  Beautiful images you can expect from Nikon, plus I really like the ability to shoot panoramas! Sweet!

I hope within these four cameras, you can find something that fits your budget and fits in your pocket!  You really can’t go wrong with any of these cameras.  They all take great shots, and none of them will break your back lugging them around.  Hope this article outlining the best digital camera under 200 fit the bill

-Lucas

Happy Holidays!

I hope everyone gets to enjoy next few days with the ones you love!  That IS the most important part of the holidays, after all!

Since the internet goes “Gung HO” over Black Friday & Cyber Monday deals, I thought it might be a good idea to mix things up a bit to help out the victims of Hurricane Sandy instead.

From now until the end of the year, ALL affiliate sale proceeds we receive (at no extra cost to you) will be donated to the Red Cross The Hurricane Sandy – USA fund.  We figure if you’re going to take advantage of these deals, let’s make it count for those in need!

Again, it’s at no extra cost to you.  All you need to do is click through the links & banners below before you make any purchase from the retailers.  We’ll take care of the rest.

Please help us spread the message by sharing this link throughout your social media!

Click to Tweet (Click Here) or “Like” this page on Facebook to the left.

PS if you are looking to buy something in the future, be sure to BOOKMARK this site now.  Once you’re ready to buy, click on the link/banners below.  For the donations to count, you usually need to buy within 24 hours of clicking the links (these things expire).

Thank you for all your endless support, being a supporter of the site…now let’s raise a ton of money!

PPS, if you would like to make a donation to the American Red Cross, click here.

PPPS We’ll be updating this frequently.  Look for the [NEW] tag to see NEW deals!

Keep shooting, keep learning, keep growing and SPEND FREELY
Lucas.

NOW ON TO THE DEALS!

Click below for your favourite online retailer’s Black Friday / Cyber Monday sales (too many to list).

Amazon.com

Adorama Camera 

B&H Photo 

Amazon Canada

KelbyTraining.com

Code:  CYBERMON12
$40 off Annual Subscription

Code:  FREESHIP
Kelby Training Books 15% off + Free Shipping

Code: FREESH12
Kelby Training DVDs 15% off + Free Shipping
Through Monday 26th

Craft&Vision Books

50% off all books (No code needed)
Expires Friday, November 23 at 11:59pm (PST) 

Code:  LR4FIVE
Lightroom 4 Unmasked New Book $5 off 
Expires Tuesday November 27, 2012 at 11:59pm (PST) 

ThinkTank Photo Bags

FREE SHIPPING on all items (No code needed)

Kelly Moore Photo Bags

Code:  BLACKFRIDAY25
$25 off any bag
24 hour deal starting at 12:01 on Black Friday (23rd)

Graph Paper Press WordPress Themes

Code:  blackfriday2012
30% off
Valid Wednesday, 11/21/12 – Saturday 11/24/12. 

Code:  cybermonday2012
30% off
Valid Sunday, 11/25/12 –  Tuesday, 11/27/12. 

GoDaddy 

32% off your order! (Click Here)
Offer expires 12/4/12

1.99 .COM!  $7.99  for each additional (Click Here)
Lasts all weekend

ADOBE

20% off Photoshop Lightroom (Click Here)
Offer available November 22, 2012 – November 28, 2012 @ 11:59pm PST  

Totally Rad Photoshop & Lightroom Plugins

Code:  CYBER MONDAY
35% off ALL Products

 PHOTOGRAPHY PRODUCTS:

I’ve handpicked the very best WOW deals for you to take advantage of for Black Friday / Cyber Monday.

• Lowepro Pro Roller Attache X50 Case for $80 w/free S&H
• Canon 60D body only drops to $800
• Canon Instant Rebates end November 21 2012
• Nikon Instant Rebates end November 24th
• Buy a Qualifying DSLR Camera and Get an AmazonBasics DSLR Backpack and a Transcend Memory Card Free
• Dell UltraSharp U3011 30″ Monitor
• 32GB Transcend Class 10 SDHC for $20 with free standard shipping
• 32GB Sandisk Extreme Class 10 UHS-I (45MB/sec) in frustration-free packaging for $31.50
• Timbuk2 Snoop Camera Backpack, Medium, Black/Gunmetal
• Olympus SZ-12 14MP Digital Camera (Free Shipping)
• WhaleTail “Studio” Flash Diffuser from Gary Fong
• Mastering Retouching Videos by Nick Saglimbeni (Click HERE to see my review)
• FS-Slim Camera Sling Strap from Carry Speed
• Nikon D7000 w/18-105mm drops to $1000  [NEW]
• Canon Digital Rebel T3i $600  [NEW]
• Nikon D3000 w/18-55 & 55-200 DX not-VR with Nikon case, Nikon DVDs, AmazonBasics remote, 60-inch Vista tripod for $450 [NEW]
• Samsung Smart “Wireless” NX1000 Mirrorless 20.3MP Digital Camera [NEW]
• Eye-Fi 8GB Mobile X2 SDHC Class 6 Wireless Memory Card [NEW]
• Adobe Photoshop Elements 11 & Premiere Elements 11 Bundle for Mac and Windows [NEW]
• Apple iPad mini 64GB with Wi-Fi – Black and Slate
• Nikon 1 J1 Mirrorless Digital Camera with 10-30mm VR Zoom Lens – White 

Again, thank you so much for all your support, and all my love to you and your family!

-Lucas.

GoPro Hero3 Black Edition Review

Is the new GoPro Hero3 Black Edition going to change your life???

My guess is an astounding YES!  Wanna know why???  Check out these specs:

• 4K at 12fps
• 2.7K at 30/25/24fps
• 1440p at 48/30/35/24fps
• 1080p at 60/50/48/30/25/24fps
• 960p at 100/48fps
• 720p at 120/100fps
• 854x480p at 240fps

Here’s the kicker.  4K available in a camera that can fit in your pocket!  This is INSANE.  To show you visually what “4k” looks like, check out this graphic below to illustrate what being able to shoot “2304 x 4096″ VS your standard HD 1080P of “1080 x 1920.”

Just a few years ago, 4K was only available in cameras costing over $10,000.  Now you can get one that fits in your palm, and costs $399

Click here to see the best price for the new GoPro Hero3 Black Edition

As this isn’t a review QUITE YET, stay tuned, as I’ve already pre-ordered mine.  I’m expecting nothing short of amazing from the GoPro people.  I’ve bought all 3 incarnations of the GoPro’s and have written extensively about them here and here.

=======> Click HERE to Pre-Order YOUR NEW GoPro Hero3 Black Edition <=======

If you’re looking to get your hands on a GoPro RIGHT this instant, check out the one I currently use:

Make A Photograpy Blog

We already know you have AMAZING images, now it’s time for you to make a photography blog, and share those images with the world & make a photography blog!

I am constantly asked how to set up a personal site, so I thought it’s time for a step-by-step tutorial on how to make a photography blog.  Follow these steps and you’ll have YOUR OWN domain (i.e. YourNamePhotography.com) in less than 10 minutes.  If you’d rather see a video, I go through these exact steps in this video in under 4 minutes.

Make a Photography Blog (on YouTube)

It’s best to get your own domain, as opposed to choosing a free host (blogspot, tumblr, etc.) for a number of reasons:

-Stronger branding message
-Better in Google rankings
-More control
-Unlimited design options
-YOU OWN IT.  This is very important!  You’re in control.

HINT:  Bookmark this page NOW!  Even if you aren’t planning to set up a blog today, you’ll have this as a reference for when you do decide to take the plunge! 

PS, if you purchase the hosting plans through my links, I earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.  Thanks in advance…It means the world!

Step 1: Sign up for hosting, and get your free domain

Visit Bluehost.com and purchase your domain and hosting package.  It’s a super low rate of $6.95 a month (cheap!) and you get your free domain (YourNamePhotography.com) for a year thrown in as well.  Bluehost is perfect for photographers for a number of reasons and I can’t recommend them enough.  I’ve hosted with pretty much every company you can think of, and Bluehost’s rock solid service, amazing features, and AWESOME/FRIENDLY customer service has me as a life-long customer.

Click on the green “Sign Up Now” button to begin.

The next page is where you enter the domain of your choice.  Don’t worry if you want to change the domain at a later day, or add variations (i.e. YourNamePhotography.com, YourLastNamePhoto.com) at a later date.  The great thing about Bluehost (among many other things) is that you can host UNLIMITED sites under one package.  Score!

Next fill in your contact information.

 In the next step, fill out your billing information and the package you choose.  There are a bunch of different add-ons you can choose, but the one I DEFINITELY recommend getting is the DOMAIN PRIVACY WHOIS.  Without it, anyone can see your contact information, home address, phone number, email etc.  By adding on the PRIVACY WHOIS, Bluehost puts in their contact information so yours isn’t exposed.  This is a must get!

Step 2: Install WordPress

Wordpress is the blogging platform you’ll be using for your website.  It’s SUPER easy to use, and is the standard that pretty much everyone has for their website.  It’s also extremely SEO (Search Engine Optimization) friendly so people can find your awesome site easily!

Now that you’ve purchased your domain and hosting, you’ll have access to your cPanel.  The cPanel is the “nerve centre” of your website where you’ll have control over most aspects.  It looks overwhelming at first, but you can pretty much ignore 90% of the icons listed here.

Under the “site builders” category in your cPanel, click the “Wordpress” icon.

 The next screen is pretty straight forward if you follow these steps.

Step 1:  Asks where you would like WordPress installed.  For the majority of you I would leave this option blank.  Leaving it blank installs WordPress in your home directory so when you go to www.YourSite.com , you’d see your fresh WordPress install.

Step 2:  Advanced options, where you name your site (Your Name Photography) and choose a complex password.  Be sure to write down the username and password because we’ll need that information in a second to log-in to the site.

Step 3: These advanced plug-ins we don’t need right now, so uncheck them all.  They’re an unnecessary extra cost at this point.

Step 4: Accept the legal terms & conditions, and click “submit.”

CONGRATS FRIEND!  You’re done!!!

Wasn’t that easy????   Once WordPress is finished installing, you’ll be given a URL that looks something like this:

http://YourSite.com/wp-admin

This is your login address for your new website where you’ll add blog posts, update pages, and configure your entire new site!  Bookmark this URL, and click on it now!

Once you’re at the login page, enter the username and password that you created.

Step 3: Change the theme

In the final step, here’s where you really start to get creative, and put the finishing touch on your blog.  There are literally endless numbers of themes that you can choose from to define the look of your new site!  Get creative and choose one that best fits your brand and the esthetic you’re going for!

Along the left hand side of your control panel, click on “Appearances” and then click on “Themes.”  This is where your themes are stored. 

 Click on the next tab “Install Themes.”  This is where you can browse through all the free themes available to you.

I like the theme “F8” which is a free theme from the good folks at Graph Paper Press.  It’s a photography specific theme, and great for showcasing images.  Graph Paper Press has an amazing selection of premium themes (available for a price), but “F8” is free, and a great starting place for us!

Congrats!  You’re now officially done.  You’ve gone from no website, to having an awesome looking website with YOUR own custom domain name.  How cool!

These steps are super easy to implement, but remember, Bluehost technical support is available to you 24 hours a day for FREE.  They’re so much fun, you might as well just call em’ up to chat  Click HERE to visit Bluehost.com and signup for your hosting package.

Hope this helps, leave a comment below if it does, and happy website building!  Let me know how it went once you’ve decided to make a photography blog!

When people ask “What’s the best cheap tripod” people on the internet go CRAZY!  ”How dare you buy a cheap tripod????  Don’t you know it’s an investment in your future.  Stop buying cheap tripods, and invest in something that will last a lifetime!!!“

Well, yes, this is a valid point (and I’ve learned this lesson myself), but if you can’t afford an expensive tripod at the moment, why not look at this list of the best cheap DSLR tripods you can buy:

Slik tripods are always highly recommended, and their smallest model is cheap enough, but contains all the best features the “big boys” have.

Having a ballhead & quick release on your tripod is usually reserved for photographers with a “fat wallet.”  Not anymore.  Ravelli makes a great package for under $50 that even comes with a carrying bag.  Sweet!

This next tripod is the #1 best selling tripod on Amazon…and for a reason!  At UNDER $25, this thing is chalk full of features and offers a 10 YEAR WARRANTY!  Sweet.

GorillaPods are so small and convenient, I often keep one in my camera bag if I’m going on vacation somewhere.  This one is fit to carry a mid-sizes DSLR.

Another best selling tripod is this Ravelli.  Why?  Probably because it’s $12 bucks.  Talk about disposable.  Need to have a multi-cam shoot on the mega-cheap.  This could be your solution!

The last one on my list is from Amazon’s in house brand “Basics.”  I’ve been happy with their high speed memory cards, and they nail it on this inexpensive tripod.  Comes with great bag as well

Here are some more inexpensive tripods which I HAVEN’T reviewed myself, but have high ratings so should be worth checking out:

Hope this helps you out when searching for the best cheap tripod!

Finding success is all about taking action.  Period.

You can read blogs, watch YouTube videos, download the coolest Photoshop action, but nothing will happen with you, your photography, or your photography business until you execute.

That is why today, I’m cutting this post short. Instead of reading my content, I want you to do something instead – right now. Do something for your blog, business or life that will get you moving forward and help you reach your goals.

All I ask is that you leave a comment of what you’re about to do (sort of like a pledge), and let’s see how much we can all get done today.

Sound good?

I’ll start:

Whenever I’m asked what’s the best resource to learn photography, I always recommend Kelby Training – they never disappoint.  In fact,  if you’re looking for the best deal on Kelby Training look over here and grab your Kelby Training Coupon Code.

If you prefer to sit with a book in your lap and learn that way, you’re in luck.  Look below for the top selling Lightroom 4 Books, and my personal favourites.  Enjoy!

I’ve also included some other best-selling books that Amazon lists, but I haven’t read.  Hope this helps you finding the Best Lightroom 4 book for you!

I love my job. There’s no doubt about that.  But I especially love my job when I get to write a blog post about Victoria’s Secret models.  There’s no shame in that  Okay, time for the Victoria’s Secret no airbrushing shots…

These images of the very beautiful Doutzen Kroes were apparently uploaded to the VS website by accident the other day.  As you can tell, they’re RAW images, completely unretouched.  Because they’re brand new, there’s no “before and after” to look at, but according to sources – these images were shot for the September catalogue.

What do YOU think of these images?  Is she beautiful as is?  Should she even be photoshopped?  Leave a comment below to let me know you’re alive

With everyone and their mother owning a GoPro camera, I thought it was time to review the best and cheapest GoPro Mounts your money can buy!  Let’s begin!

I must first begin this GoPro Mount review with a story.  Yes, even me, oh wise one can screw up some times.  When climbing Dunn’s River Falls in Jamaica this past holiday season, I thought snapping a thick piece of ribbon into my GoPro’s housing would be safe enough.  NOPE!  I was wrong.  One quick slip on the rocks, and BAM!  My little piece of ribbon was snapped off the GoPro case, and BYE BYE camera.  Don’t make the same mistake it did.  Oh, and if you find a GoPro camera in Jamaica…please send it back over this way
GoPro HD HERO2

Clearly this first GoPro mount could have SAVED my butt in Jamaica!  A must get for anyone bringing their expensive camera into water!
GoPro Camera Floaty Back Door

I could have put this sucker around my wrist too:
GoPro Camera AHDWH-001 HD Wrist Housing for HD Hero Camera

You could always just get a GRAB BAG of all accessory GoPro mounts:
GoPro Grab Bag of Mounts for HERO Cameras

I’ve written about this tripod mount here.  Clearly an easy way to attach your GoPro to an existing tripod
GoPro Tripod Mount for HERO Cameras

This one seems intense, but who am I to judge?  I’d rather look like a dummy wearing this, than have lost my camera in the first place:
GoPro Chest Mount Harness for HERO Cameras

Good Ol’ fashion suction cup for your GoPro:
GoPro Suction Cup Mount for HERO Cameras

Wondering how to mount your GoPro camera to your bike…here’s your answer:
GoPro Handlebar Seatpost Mount for HERO Cameras

If you’re interested in swimming minimally with your GoPro, try this floating mount:
The Bobber – Floating Hand Grip for GoPro® HERO Cameras

Again, you may get some looks for wearing this one on your head…but hey.  Tell em ‘Shush your face, I’m keeping my camera safe!’
GoPro Head Strap Mount for HERO Cameras

Here’s a way to permanenly stick your GoPro to a flat surface.  Anyone got any ideas where this where this would be a GOOD idea???
GoPro Camera AAFLT-001 Flat Adhesive Mounts for HD Hero Camera

If you want to add some cinematic production value to your video, try this mount:
Steadicam SMOOTHEE-GPROHRO Smoothee with GoPro Mount and Belt Clip

This extension pole might be your solution for that “above the crowd” shot:
GoPole Original – Extension Pole Mount for GoPro® HERO Cameras (36″ reach)

I hope you’ve found a rundown of these GoPro mounts handy, and remember…don’t be a dummy like me…mount your GoPro to something – anything that will keep it in check!